USA vs s-400. The battle for contracts

Russia offers potential customers a wide range of defense systems and regularly receives new orders. This state of Affairs does not suit manufacturers of such equipment, which leads to specific consequences. So, the latest s-400 is already sold to foreign countries, but such contracts are signed immediately and without any difficulty. There are attempts to counter the emergence of contracts.

Broken contracts

In October 2017 Moscow was visited by the king of Saudi Arabia. During his visit, he held a number of negotiations were signed several important agreements. Among other things, Moscow and Riyadh were in negotiations on the supply of arms and equipment. Agreement was reached on the future purchase of Russian s-400.

However, the supply contract was never signed. In the spring of 2018, there were reports about the reasons for this. Media reports claimed that Saudi Arabia chose the Russian air defense systems of preservation of friendly relations with the United States. The purchase of Russian weapons could lead to the different political and economic consequences, and in Riyadh and considered them unacceptable.

In November 2017, reported on the negotiations with Morocco. It is an African state develops its armed forces and takes great interest in air defense systems – including the s-400. Since then, the issue of supply of s-400 Moroccan army was not raised. The contract was signed, equipment to the customer was not transferred.

In February last year, foreign and domestic media have reported on the possible emergence of the Iraqi order. In 2014, Iraq was planning to upgrade the air defense at the expense of Russian systems s-400, but this was prevented by the war with terrorists. At the first opportunity, the army returned to the subject of procurement. However, after a few days the news has commented on the Iraqi Ambassador in Russia. It turned out that Baghdad has no plans to purchase new defenses. In the future, the subject of procurement s-400 Iraq was not raised.

Indian difficulties

A few years ago, an agreement was reached on the purchase of s-400 by the armed forces of India. At the end of 2015 the Indian Council for defence procurement approved the transaction, and then negotiations began. The contract for the supply of several regimental sets of signed 5 Oct 2018 Now the Russian side is building products. In the near future, it will be sent to the customer.

The Russian-Indian agreement is not satisfied the United States. Washington intends to maintain its leading position in the international arms market, and every major success in the field causes a specific reaction. Was no exception and a contract to supply s-400. The US is trying to derail its implementation and to impose on India the best solution for them.

In early may, the Indian newspaper Hindustan Times revealed some details of military-technical cooperation and fulfillment of contractual obligations. In April last year, the United States adopted the law "On combating the enemies of America through sanctions", which the Indian side could not pay off the Russian using American currency. In order not to fall under sanctions, new Delhi is planning to pay for the supply in euros, rubles and rupees.

In a few days, the Hindustan Times reported on new measures taken by Washington. A few weeks ago, the United States has offered India to abandon the purchase of Russian s-400. Instead of these products offer the Indian military the American system of Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD. It is argued that such choice will allow to avoid sanctions; in addition, Washington offers certain perks and benefits. Of course, the American side points to the technical advantages of their products, but also a reminder of possible sanctions.

Despite pressure from the US, India does not abandon its plans and does not break the contract with Russia. News of the recent weeks and the real action new Delhi make optimistic forecast. Apparently, the Indian army has no plans to abandon the Russian air defense systems, though their purchase will have to make some effort and find new ways to charge products.

Turkish

Another buyer of s-400 are Turkish armed forces, and in their case the contract is also faced with the opposition of a third party. Turkey is part of NATO and plays an important role in the organization. Military-technical cooperation between Ankara and Moscow expected Washington and worries leads to certain consequences. To save the desired situation, the United States used all means of pressure, from the best deals to direct threats.

It Should be noted that Turkey is not the first time facing harsh criticism from the United States. In the beginning of this decade, held a competition T-LORAMIDS, in which Turkey chose a new SAM foreign production. Russia has offered the s-300VM or s-400, also participated in the competition of Chinese, European and American manufacturers. Washington has warned Ankara about the possible negative consequences in case of order of products manufactured in the United States.

Ankara chose the Chinese SAM HQ-9, which caused a negative reaction of the United States. According to the results of future events, this sample was never put into service. In April 2017, the Turkish authorities announced the intention to acquire the s-400 system of the Russian production, which again was subject to criticism. 12 Sep 2017, Russia and Turkey signed the contract for the supply of SAM, and heis currently running. The first samples of the technology will be transferred to the customer in 2019 In October they went on duty.

In early February edition of the Hürriyet Daily News learned that the US can put pressure on Turkey in several ways. So, Ankara is planning to buy s-400, but SAM "patriot". The us side can deny her the sale. In addition, due to the purchase of Russian military equipment against Turkey may impose sanctions. In Washington claim that the purchase by Turkey of Russian weapons threaten NATO, and it should not be ignored.

Despite the hostile statements and direct threats to NATO partners, Ankara continues to act in accordance with their plans. The contract signed with Russia is assembling the ordered product and made a few payments. At the same time Turkey does not consider the arguments of the US right and worthy of serious consideration. However, the Turkish leadership does not want to quarrel with Washington and NATO, and therefore is considering the purchase and American anti-aircraft systems.

US against the C-400

According to reports, in recent years, interest in the Russian anti-aircraft missile systems s-400, shown by a number of foreign countries wanting to upgrade their air defenses. Several countries have already brought the matter to negotiations, and some even signed contracts and got ready technique or prepared for its development.

More in 2015 appeared contract to supply s-400 to China. The first regiment set went to a customer about a year ago, underwent tests and is already on duty. In 2016, the two divisions of s-400 were the Belarusian army. Interestingly, these supplies have been criticized by the United States, but it was limited to only judgmental statements. Without any significant leverage on Beijing and Minsk, Washington was forced to simply observe a strengthening of the "unfriendly regimes".

With Turkey, India and Saudi Arabia the situation is different. Being the main ally of Riyadh, the United States was able to create an environment in which Saudi authorities had to abandon the purchase of Russian equipment. Now the United States put pressure on Turkey and India, forcing them to abandon the s-400 in favor of the Patriot and THAAD systems. Much success in this business yet, and therefore, Washington must increase pressure on foreign partners.

The Reasons for these actions of the US are quite clear and obvious. The s-400 is considered to be, at least, one of the best systems of its class in the world, and therefore is a direct competitor to American development. The commercial success of s-400 to turn setbacks for Patriot and THAAD that does not suit Washington.

In fact, it is about the struggle for the market. After failing to get a contract due to technical, economic and other advantages, the American side tries to achieve in other ways – perhaps not quite honest. In the case of Turkey it is not just about receiving, but about the preservation of military-technical cooperation with our traditional partner. The Turkish army over many decades developed mainly at the expense of American products.

In the fight for orders for the air defense system the United States use different methods. After failing to win international competitions, they put forward new proposals, and threaten sanctions. However, the last word rests with the customer. India and Turkey have to study all the arguments of all parties and determine what air defense systems they need.

They will have to take into account technical, economic and political factors. You also need to take into account negative consequences, such as sanctions by the United States or a blow to the reputation as a reliable buyer. Ankara and new Delhi have already made their choice. Whether they will remain faithful to their solutions – time will tell.

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